Shallow well-drilling apparatus

ABSTRACT

A portable, shallow well-drilling apparatus is described. The apparatus is lightweight, modular, and easy to transport to and assemble at a remote drill site. The apparatus includes a generally rectangular frame having a plurality of multi-segment support beams in spaced relation extending vertically from a lower base to a top cap, no component of which exceeds five feet in length, a winch assembly attached to the frame, and a motor removably mounted on the frame and slidable up and down the beams via the winch assembly. The apparatus further includes a transmission removably coupled to the motor, and a drill pipe assembly removably coupled to the transmission.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/278,061 to Harold E.Patterson, filed Jan. 13, 2016, pending. The entire contents of thisprovisional application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

The example embodiments in general are directed to a well-drilling rigconfigured in a miniature, lightweight profile for ease oftransportation, assembly, and storage, and more particularly to amodular, transportable, shallow well-drilling apparatus adapted to drillwells up to 300 feet in depth so as to reach an underground aquifer.

Related Art

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, in a June 2015 onlinepublication entitled “Global Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)”, whichmay be found at the linkhttp://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/wash_statistics.html, states thatworldwide, 780 million people do not have access to an improved watersource. An improved water source may be understood as a source thatprovides safe drinking water, examples being a piped household waterconnection, a public standpipe, a borehole, a protected dug well, aprotected spring, and rainwater collection. Namely, these people onlyhave access to unimproved drinking water sources such as an unprotecteddug well, an unprotected spring, surface water (i.e., a river, dam,lake, pond, stream, canal, and/or an irrigation channel),vendor-provided water (e.g., a cart with small tank/drum, tanker truck),and bottled water.

Moreover, due to a lack of safe drinking water, the CDC estimates thatapproximately 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation(more than 35% of the world's population). According to the World HealthOrganization (WHO) and UNICEF, regions with the lowest coverage of“improved” sanitation in 2006 (see for example the linkhttp://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/assessing.html) were sub-SaharanAfrica (31%), Southern Asia (33%) and Eastern Asia (65%). In 2006, 7 outof 10 people without access to improved sanitation were ruralinhabitants.

FIG. 1 is a photograph taken in 2015 of a spring-fed ditch which alsoacts as a cistern for collecting rainwater, which serves as a primarysource of drinking water for a mountain Indian village in Panama. FIG. 2is a photograph of the primary source of drinking water for a village inremote Manipur, India; a tanker truck of water. The villagers arepermitted to fill up to two (2) containers twice weekly for theirfamilies. FIG. 3 is a photograph of another water source taken from theZambezi River for a village near Livingstone, Zambia. This water sourceis untreated.

As evident from FIGS. 1-3, the dearth of an adequate safe drinking watersupply, coupled with a lack of sanitation and hygiene, may typicallylead to unnecessary disease and death. A 2010 report by Liu et al. ofthe Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group of WHO and UNICEF,entitled “”Global, Regional, and National Causes of Child Mortality: AnUpdated Systematic Analysis for 2010 with Time Trends Since 2000” notesthat an estimated 801,000 children younger than 5 years of age perishfrom diarrhea each year, mostly in developing countries. This amounts to11% of the 7.6 million deaths of children under the age of five andmeans that about 2,200 children are dying daily as a result of diarrhealdiseases. Additionally, a 2008 report by Prüss-Üstün, et al. of the WHO,entitled “Safer Water, Better Health: Costs, Benefits and Sustainabilityof Interventions to Protect and Promote Health” suggests that unsafedrinking water, inadequate availability of water for hygiene, and lackof access to sanitation together contribute to about 88% of deathsglobally from diarrheal diseases.

This WHO report further notes that worldwide, millions of people areinfected with neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), many of which arewater and/or hygiene-related, such as Guinea Worm Disease, Buruli Ulcer,Trachoma, and Schistosomiasis. These diseases are most often found inplaces with unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and insufficienthygiene practices. For example, trachoma is the world's leading cause ofpreventable blindness and results from poor hygiene and sanitation.Approximately 41 million people suffer from active trachoma and nearly10 million people are visually impaired or irreversibly blind as aresult of trachoma. Trachoma infection can be prevented throughincreased facial cleanliness with soap and clean water, and improvedsanitation. The report further states that water, sanitation and hygienehas the potential to prevent at least 9.1% of the global disease burdenand 6.3% of all deaths

A 2005 publication by Lenton, et al. of the UN Millennium Project TaskForce on Water & Sanitation reports that improved water sources reducediarrhea morbidity by 21%; improved sanitation reduces diarrheamorbidity by 37.5%; and the simple act of washing hands at criticaltimes can reduce the number of diarrhea cases by as much as 35%.Improvement of drinking-water quality, such as point-of-usedisinfection, would lead to a 45% reduction of diarrhea episodes.

Therefore, improved water sources are critically needed on a globalscale. Perhaps the most cost effective way to create a clean drinkingsource for these populations is to provide shallow protected wells(approx. 50 to 300 feet in depth from ground surface). These wells havea borehole and piping that penetrate deeper than at least about 20 feet(to avoid accessing unclean surface or groundwater). However, as much ofthese 780 million people live in undeveloped areas, such a well must beeasily built and maintained, utilizing simple but effectivewell-drilling technologies.

Harry L. Westmoreland, Jr. of Sugarland, Tex. was the inventor of one ofthe first known portable water well-drilling rigs in the early 1990's,currently sold as the LS-100 mud rotary drill rig by Lone Star Drillsand manufactured by Little Beaver Inc. out of Livingston, Tex. FIGS. 4and 5 are provided to illustrate the components and setup for this drillto conduct shallow well-drilling operations. As shown in FIG. 4,Westmoreland's drill rig 10 generally includes an engine andtransmission (generally shown by 11) secured by supporting structure(comprising table legs 16, motor mount 17, and drill mast 18) on aground surface and configured to power a connected length of drill pipestems 13 with a drill bit 14 at a terminal end thereof so as to drill aborehole 50 to a depth that breaches an underground aquifer. Referringto FIGS. 4 and 5, and prior to drilling, a plurality of 55-gallon drums20 are filled with water and maintained full during the drillingprocess. These drums 20 are arranged near a suction mud pit 22 and asettling mud pit 24 which are to be dug. Typically, an agent such aschlorine is added to each drum 20 of water to ensure that bacteria arenot injected into the groundwater during drilling.

The suction and settling pits 22, 24 are typically dug about 7-10 feetaway from the well guide hole 15 so that, when the well is finished, theresultant pump pad does not need to be built on the unstable filled-inpits 22, 24. These pits 22, 24 collectively should have at least threetimes the volume of the borehole 50 being drilled, each pit beingapproximately 2 ft. deep, 2 ft. wide and 3-4 ft. long, with the longaxis parallel to the direction of flow. Next a first channel 25 is dugbetween the well guide hole 15 and the settling pit 24, and a secondreturn ditch 26 between the two pits 22, 24. A mud pump 30 is then setbetween the drill rig 10 and the suction mud pit 22. The pump 30includes a high pressure suction hose 31, and feed hose 33 which portshigh pressure drilling fluid 27 from the suction pit 22 down a swivelbetween the transmission and drill pipe 13, along the drill pipe 13 soas to remove debris associated with drilling operations to form theborehole 50. This debris drains off via channel 25 and ditch 26 into thesettling pit 24 and suction pit 22; a drain hose 35 ports excessdrilling fluid 27 into the settling pit 24.

The drill rig 10 is then erected over the guide hole 15 and leveled onboards 19 (such as 2″×6″ planks), with the hoses 31, 33, 35 over thepits 22, 24, and with table legs 16 arranged parallel to the returnditch 26 between the mud pits 22, 24. Guy ropes 40 are attached betweenthe drill mast 18 and the ground in a triangular fashion and tightened.Next, the drill head is raised up the mast 18 so as to permit ease ofstarting the LS-100 engine 11 in an idle position. Once running, thedrill head is raised additionally to a sufficient height to allow theinstallation of a drill pipe 13 section with the drill bit 14 secured toan end thereof, and the drilling process may commence.

The borehole 50 is drilled by rotating the bit 14 at the end of drillpipe 13. Borehole 50 cuttings are removed by continuous circulation of adrilling fluid 27 from suction pit 22 as the bit 14 penetrates theformation. One end of a drill pipe 13 is connected to the LS-100 engine11. Drilling fluid 27 is pumped down through the hollow drill pipe 13using the centrifugal pump (mud pump 30) to the drill bit 14. The fluid27 flows upward in the annular space between the drill pipe 13 and theborehole 50 to the surface, where it is channeled via channel 25 intothe settling pit 24 so that most of the cuttings drop out. Used drillingfluid 27 from the settling pit 24 overflows via ditch 26 into thesuction pit 22. Relatively clean drilling fluid 27 from the suction pit22 is then pumped back through the drill pipe 13 and the cycle repeats.Water is added as necessary to top-up the pits 22, 24.

In very hard rock, a drilling rate of about 30-150 cm/hr (1-5 ft/hr) canbe expected. The drill string (connected drill pipe stems 13 and bit 14)are left at the bottom of the borehole 50 and the drilling fluid 27continues circulating until all cuttings are removed from the borehole50. This cleaning process is increasingly important as the hole 50 isdeepened: if not fully done in the manner described, cuttings may settleto the bottom of the borehole 50 and make it impossible to add anotherlength of drill pipe 13, causing the borehole 50 to cave-in or plug-upor the drill bit 14 to jamb. The deeper the drill depth, the longer ittakes the cuttings to be removed from the borehole 50.

After about a 10 cm (4 in) “pilot” borehole 15 is completed to a desireddepth, the drilling fluid 27 circulates another 10 minutes to remove asmuch cuttings as possible from the well. Next, the drill head is raiseduntil a slip clamp on the drill table 16 can be engaged at a coupling ofthe next length of drill pipe 13 with the mud pump 30 turned off.

Once the borehole 50 has penetrated the aquifer and flowrate isdetermined acceptable, a larger reamer bit may replace or be addedbehind the drill bit 14, and the borehole 50 is re-drilled to widen it.While this is being done, the screen interval, length of casing, volumeof gravel pack, grout, etc. can be planned, materials cut to size, etc.This is helpful to do since time is of the essence when the drill pipe13 and bit 14 are pulled from the completed borehole 50 and the screenand casing installed.

After the operator has decided to stop drilling, the drilling fluid 27is allowed to circulate for another 10 minutes to remove as muchcuttings as possible from the well. Then the “mud” is circulated out ofthe borehole 50 by replacing it with fresh (clean) water. The drillpiping 13 and bit 14 are then removed, with the bit 14 rotating andwater circulating, so the surface of the borehole 50 remains smooth. Thecasing, gravel pack, annular seal, cement pad and hand pump can then beinstalled.

While this drill rig 10 has been employed many times in variousdeveloping countries, there have been several problems. First,mechanical breakdowns at the drill site and a limited ability topurchase replacement parts for drill rig 10 in their country have madesustaining the well extremely difficult for these native peoples. Also,and assuming the drill rig 10 was donated to the local populace, eachdrilled well typically cost at least $2,000, namely because a vehiclewas often required to transport the rig 10 to the drill site and oil andfuel were needed to operate the equipment. This cost is typically a sumwell beyond the means of the local community to make this aself-sustaining project. Thus, in many of these remote areas, the numberof times that a well could be drilled with drill rig 10 were typicallylimited to a couple of times per year. Further, the actual purchaseprice costs of a complete LS-100 drill rig package may be prohibitivefor many outreach and humanitarian programs, with a starting cost of atleast $9,000.00 USD.

Moreover, difficulties with the LS-100 have been encountered whendrilling the pilot borehole 15 where the formation consisted primarilyof fine to coarse sand, or where the first 10 feet or so of the borehole50 consisted of hard rock (laterite), which was difficult to penetrate.Often, after breaking through the hard rock layer, there were fracturesin the formation below the laterite, which resulted in a loss ofdrilling fluid 27 to the formation and difficulties in keeping thedrilling fluid 27 in the borehole 50 for the drilling process.

Another prior art well-drilling rig is the “Village Drill”, ahuman-powered drill rig with a purchase cost of $18,000.00 USD. FIG. 6is a perspective view of this prior art well-drilling rig, which isoffered online by the Freeman Institute Foundation(http://www.freemaninstute.com/water.htmnd) and which has been developedby Renouard, et al., as described in U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No.2013/0206480, (hereafter, the “480 publication”). As shown in FIG. 6,the '480 publication describes a human-powered borehole drill 100, e.g.,the “Village Drill”, which includes a rotatable wheel 116 supported on awheel support 114 above a ground surface at a height sufficient topermit a section of drill pipe 128 to be inserted between the ground andthe wheel 116. The wheel 116 is composed of a central aperture tofacilitate transfer of torque from the wheel 116 to a Kelly bar 146, andincludes a hub 160 with spokes 162 extending therefrom. The wheelsupport 114 includes a base 120 with a vertical columns 122, 124attached thereto, and a cantilevered beam 126 on the columns 122, 124for lifting the drill pipe 128. Both ends of the beam 126 have a pulley142 inside, and a winch 144 is attached to the low end of the beam 126.The wire rope or cable from the winch 144 goes through the beam 126 andcan then hook onto the pipe 128 or the Kelly bar 146 for lifting.

In a basic drilling operation to dig the borehole for the well, theKelly bar 146 is positioned above the wheel 116. As the drill cuts, theKelly bar 146 and pipe 128 will lower until the top of the Kelly bar 146is level with the top of the wheel hub 160. Then a winch operator liftsthe pipe 128 until the slip plate (not shown) can fit under a coupler(not shown) between sections of pipe 128 and over legs of the base 120.After unthreading the Kelly bar 146 from the drill pipe 128, the Kellybar 146 is raised until it reaches the top of the cantilever beam 126.Then a new three-foot pipe section of pipe 128 may be fit between theKelly bar 146 and the top of the previous section of pipe 128, as isknown, and threaded onto the pipe 128 (such as by a pipe wrench) usingthe coupler, and then onto the Kelly bar 146. Then the pipe 128 islifted slightly until the slip plate is removed so drilling cancontinue.

Unfortunately, the cost of the Village Drill is substantially more thaneven that of the LS-100, and may have similar problems regardingreplacement parts and difficultly in sandy and hard rock layerconditions. As such, those people living in undeveloped areas needanother option for building and maintaining the well with ease,utilizing simple but effective well-drilling technologies with minimalcost and ease of replacement parts.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to awell-drilling apparatus. The apparatus includes The apparatus includes agenerally rectangular frame having a plurality of multi-segment supportbeams in spaced relation extending vertically from a lower base to a topcap, no component of which exceeds five feet in length, a winch assemblyattached to the frame, and a motor removably mounted on the frame andslidable up and down the beams via the winch assembly. The apparatusfurther includes a transmission removably coupled to the motor, and adrill pipe assembly removably coupled to the transmission.

Another example embodiment is directed to a well-drilling apparatushaving a frame, the weight of which does not exceed 175 pounds, a winchassembly attached to the frame, and a motor removably mounted on theframe and slidable up and down the frame via the winch assembly. Theapparatus further includes a transmission removably coupled to themotor, and a drill pipe assembly removably coupled to the transmission.

Another example embodiment is directed to a well-drilling apparatushaving a frame, a winch assembly attached to the frame, and a motorremovably mounted on the frame and slidable up and down the frame viathe winch assembly. The apparatus further includes a transmissionremovably coupled to the motor, and a drill pipe assembly removablycoupled to the transmission. The weight of the apparatus does not exceed650 pounds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given herein below and the accompanying drawings, whereinlike elements are represented by like reference numerals, which aregiven by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of theexample embodiments herein.

FIG. 1 is a photograph of a spring-fed ditch in Panama.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of a tanker truck of water in India.

FIG. 3 is a photograph of a drinking water source in Zambia.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a prior art portable, well-drillingrig.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the rig shown in FIG. 4 to illustrate operationthereof.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another prior art portable,well-drilling rig.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portable well-drilling apparatus inaccordance with the example embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is an exploded parts view of the apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the base shown in the apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a right side elevational view of the base in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the outrigger shown in the apparatus ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of the outrigger in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the motor mount shown in the apparatus ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 16 is a right side elevational view of the motor mount in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of theapparatus including the motor, motor mount, transmission, and drillswivel.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the top cap shown in the apparatus ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the cap of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is an elevational view of the drill pipe assembly shown in theapparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 21 is a photograph illustrating the preparation of thesuction/settling pit and leveling of the apparatus prior to drillingoperations.

FIG. 22 is a photograph illustrating the lifting of the motor assemblyusing the winch assembly, in preparation for connecting drill pipe.

FIG. 23 is a photograph illustrating the removal of the protective capoff the threads of the drill swivel, in preparation for connecting oneor more lengths of drill pipe stems.

FIG. 24 is a photograph illustrating the complete installation of theapparatus at a drill site, ready to conduct drilling operations toaccess an underground aquifer.

FIG. 25 is a photograph illustrating the working of the rock drill bitto form the pilot borehole.

FIG. 26 is a photograph illustrating the deepening of the boreholeduring drilling operations.

FIG. 27 is a photograph illustrating the drainage of the debris anddrilling fluid exiting the apparatus into the suction/settling pitduring drilling operations.

FIG. 28 is a photograph illustrating a completed borehole with the drillbit and stem therein; the well is now ready for casing and tapping.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various example embodimentsof the disclosure. However, one skilled in the art will understand thatthe disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known structures associated with manufacturingtechniques have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the descriptions of the example embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification andclaims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as“comprises” and “comprising,” are to be construed in an open, inclusivesense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one example embodiment” or“an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in oneexample embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughoutthis specification are not necessarily all referring to the sameembodiment. Further, the particular features, structures orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreexample embodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. The term “or” is generally employed in itssense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in the specification and appended claims, the terms“correspond,” “corresponds,” and “corresponding” are intended todescribe a ratio of or a similarity between referenced objects. The useof “correspond” or one of its forms should not be construed to mean theexact shape or size. In the drawings, identical reference numbersidentify similar elements or acts. The size and relative positions ofelements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The example embodiments hereafter describe a portable, shallowwell-drilling apparatus that is lightweight, modular, and easy totransport to and assemble at a remote drill site. In reference to FIGS.7-20, the portable, shallow well-drilling apparatus 200 is comprised ofjust a few modular, connectable assemblies. As shown, apparatus 200includes a generally rectangular frame 210 composed of a base 211, and aplurality of vertically-oriented, multi-segment support beams 212connected at one end to the base 211 and at the other ends to a top cap213. Apparatus 200 further includes a winch assembly 220 attachable toframe 210 and adapted to raise and lower a motor assembly 240 along thesupport tubes 212, so as to connect a plurality of drill pipe stems 291,one of which terminates in a drill bit 294A/B (FIG. 20).

Apparatus 200 further includes a stabilizer assembly 230 which isconfigured to secure the apparatus 200 to a ground surface at a drillsite preparation for drilling operations. A removable motor 248supported within a motor mount 241 of the motor assembly 240 isremovably coupled to a transmission 250, which in turn is connected to ahollow drill pipe swivel 280 that is configured to be operativelyconnected to the drill pipe assembly 290, namely to a femaleend/coupling 293 of a 1″ OD steel drill pipe stem 291 (FIG. 20).Additionally, the drill pipe swivel 280 is adapted to be connected to ahigh pressure feed hose 264 of a pump assembly 260, namely to a mud pump263. Pump 263 has a high-strength suction house 262 connected theretowhich is designed to suck, under pump 263 power, from a water-filledsuction/settling pit 261 so as to provide a high-pressure source ofdrilling fluid to the drill pipe assembly 290 via the swivel 280, as isknown.

In apparatus 200, the total weight of the frame 210 alone does notexceed 175 pounds, and the total weight of the apparatus 200 does notexceed 650 pounds. Additionally, as the apparatus 200 is erected fromsmaller, modular components, such facilitates transport of allcomponents thereof within a single shipping container that does notexceed five (5) feet in length and three (3) feet in width. To achievethis, none of the constituent components of apparatus 200, inclusive ofthe support beams 212 and pipe stems 291, exceeds five (5) feet inlength.

As will be shown in further detail below, apparatus 200 is configured tocreate at least a 1″ diameter borehole 205 up to 300 feet in depth fromthe ground surface, so as to breach an underground aquifer. In oneexample, apparatus 200 is configured to create a borehole 205 depth in arange of about 50 to 300 feet, so as to reach an underground fresh watersource below a lowest depth of groundwater, which as noted above isabout 20 feet below ground surface. Further, the frame 210 is extremelyrobust, as each of the base 211, top cap 213 and support beams 212 areformed of a plurality of welded elongate schedule 40 steel sectionshaving a pipe wall thickness of at least 0.25″.

The base 211 is composed of a plurality of welded-together truncatedsquare-shape steel tubing sections, whereby tubing sections 214A are2.5″×2.5″ square steel tubing, and cross-tube section 214B is formed of2″×2″ square steel tubing. The base 211 further includes three (3)truncated steel support collars 215 (2.375″×3″ steel tubing), eachadapted to receive a lower and of a corresponding support beam 212. Eachcollar 215 includes a hole 216 that aligns with the corresponding holein the support beam 212, with the beam 212 being secured to the collar215 via a fastener (not shown) secured therethrough. The support beams212 are composed of a plurality of connected segments 217 (FIG. 10),none of which exceeds 5′ in length. The top cap 213 (see FIGS. 18, 19)includes two (2) 2.5″×2.5″ square steel tubing sections 218A/B weldedtogether in the shape of a T, and further includes pulleys 223 of thewinch assembly 220 thereon, with one pulley 223 that takes most of theweight welded to a bracket 226 on tube section 218B. A collar 215 iswelded to an end of tube section 218A for coupling to a top end of asupport beam 212.

The stabilizer assembly 230 includes a plurality of outriggers 231, eachoutrigger 231 secured at one end to the base 211. As best shown in FIGS.9, 13 and 14, each outrigger 231 includes an aperture 237 at the otherend that is adapted to receive a threaded bottom of a screw jack 234.Each screw jack 234 is inserted through it corresponding aperture 237,and additionally engages a nut 238, with each foot of the screw jack 234engaging a support pad 233. As each of the screw jacks 234 areadjustable, this allows ease of leveling of the frame 210 on the groundsurface at the drilling site. To further assist in securing apparatus200 on a ground surface in preparation for drilling operations, thestabilizer assembly 230 further includes a plurality of rebar elements232, as shown extending through apertures in the base 211 and into theground surface. Additionally a pair of comealongs 235 are employed tofurther stabilize the frame 210. Each comealong 235 has its proximal endconnected to the motor mount 241, and a distal end connected to a coiledauger pin 236 that is adapted to be screwed into the ground surface.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the motor assembly 240 includes a motor mount241 supporting a removable motor 248. Motor 248, in an example, may beembodied as a 6.75 HP BRIGGS & STRATTON® 675 SERIES e™, 190 cc engine,with transmission 250 embodied as an Aries 30:1 ratio transmission.Motor mount 241 comprises a pair of steel plates 242 in spaced relationto one another with a steel hanger 246 extending therebetween, thecomponents welded to one another. The motor mount 241 is configured,under winch ™welded to a bracket 243 which in turn is welded to an outersurface of its corresponding plate 242. A central connector bracket 225is welded to the hanger 246 and configured to attach to one end of asteel cable 224 of the winch assembly 220 for raising and lowering themotor assembly 240.

Pump assembly 260 includes a hi-strength 2″ OD suction hose hooked up tothe inlet of mud pump 263, and a 1¼″ high pressure feed hose 264connected between the pump 263 outlet and a to a hollow connectorelement 285 that is welded to the drill swivel 280 (FIG. 17). Drillswivel 280 may include a protective cap 282 placed over a threadedportion 281 when not in use/connected to a drill pipe stem 291. As iswell known, the suction hose 262 takes a suck on a water-filledsuction/settling pit 261, under pump 263 power, which serves as thedrilling fluid ported through connector element 285 and drill swivel 280to the hollow drill pipe stems 291. In an example, the mud pump 263 maybe embodied as a POWERHORSE, 2″ Semi-Trash pump with a 5 HP, 208 ccengine that pumps 1750 gallons per hour.

The ratchet arm assembly 270 includes a connected 271 for attachment tothe drill swivel 280, with an arm 272 attached thereto and a handle 273.The ratchet arm assembly 270 has idle and lock positions, see lock 274.The drill pipe assembly includes a plurality of connectable pipe stems291 with coupling/female ends 293 for attachment to one another's maleend 292 or to the threaded portion 281 of the drill swivel 280.

FIGS. 21-28 are photographs provided to help understand the generalsetup and operation of apparatus 200. The steps shown in FIGS. 21-28 aresimilar to those previously described with the LS-100 setup andoperation, thus a detailed explanation is omitted for purposes ofbrevity.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 to 28, and assuming that the proper locationfor the drill site has been determined, the suction/settling pit 261 isdug out, and the frame 210 of the apparatus 200 is oriented and leveledat the drill site location for making the eventual borehole 205 as shownin FIG. 21, a drain ditch 265 is created between the location where theborehole 205 will be dug and the suction/settling pit 261. Next, anoperator 203 operates the winch assembly 220 (FIG. 22) so as to raisethe motor assembly 242 up along beams 212 a sufficient height so thatthe drill pipe assembly 290 may be attached to the threaded portion 281of the drill swivel 280. To attach a length of pipe stem 291, theprotective cap 282 is removed from the threaded portion 281 of the drillswivel 280. To do this, a pipe wrench 202 is employed, and will also beused to rotate the female and 293 of the drill pipe stem 291 onto thethreaded portion 281. Once complete, one of the bits 294 A/B is attachedat the mail and 292 of a drill pipe stem 291. Depending on rock or soilconditions, one of a rock bit 294A or a soil bit 294B is attached to thepipe stem 291. Additionally, after drill pipe 291 connection and priorto drilling operations, the suction/settling pit 261 is topped off withfresh water, and the pump 263 is started once the feed hose 264 isattached to the drill swivel 280. FIG. 24 illustrates an example set upin Zambia. Note that a strainer 266 is utilized at the terminus of thedrain ditch 265 to filter out larger debris being removed as theborehole 205 is created. In this particular evolution, as comealongs 235were not readily available, weight bags 235′ were utilized to stabilizeframe 210, in addition to the stabilizer assembly 230.

The drilling operation May Be explained with reference to FIGS. 25 to28. Initially, a guide hole 204 is formed; in this photograph a rock bit294A is being used. Once the guide hole 204 has been completed, it isreamed out or widened so that creation of the borehole 205 can be begunin earnest. FIG. 26 shows an active operation of forming the borehole205; and FIG. 27 illustrates the excess cuttings, used drilling fluidand debris removed by the apparatus 200, running down ditch 265 andthrough strainer 266 into the suction/settling pit 261. FIG. 28 show thecompleted borehole 205, ready for installation of the screen and casing,gravel pack, annular seal, cement pad, and hand pump to complete theprotected well, as is known.

The example embodiments having been described, it is apparent that suchhave many varied applications. For example, the example embodiments maybe applicable but not limited to connection to various devices,structures and articles.

The present invention, in its various embodiments, configurations, andaspects, includes components, systems and/or apparatuses substantiallyas depicted and described herein, including various embodiments,sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art willunderstand how to make and use the present invention after understandingthe present disclosure. The present invention, in its variousembodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing devices inthe absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in variousembodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absenceof such items as may have been used in previous devices, e.g., forimproving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost ofimplementation.

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intendedto limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In theforegoing Detailed Description for example, various features of theinvention are grouped together in one or more embodiments,configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining thedisclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspectsof the invention may be combined in alternate embodiments,configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This methodof disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention thatthe claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recitedin each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventiveaspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosedembodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims arehereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.

Moreover, though the description of the invention has includeddescription of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects andcertain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations,and modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g., as may bewithin the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understandingthe present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which includealternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extentpermitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalentstructures to those claimed, whether or not such alternate,interchangeable and/or equivalent structures disclosed herein, andwithout intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

I claim:
 1. A well-drilling apparatus, comprising: a generallyrectangular frame having a plurality of multi-segment support beams inspaced relation extending vertically from a lower base to a top cap, nocomponent of which exceeds five feet in length, a winch assemblyattached to the frame, a motor removably mounted on the frame andslidable up and down the beams via the winch assembly, a transmissionremovably coupled to the motor, and a drill pipe assembly removablycoupled to the transmission.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein totalweight of the frame alone does not exceed 175 pounds.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein total weight thereof does not exceed 650 pounds. 4.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is modular so as tofacilitate transport of all components thereof within a single shippingcontainer that does not exceed five feet in length and three feet inwidth.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configuredto create at least a 1″ diameter borehole up to 300 feet in depth fromthe ground surface so as to breach an underground aquifer.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to create aborehole depth in a range of about 50 to 300 feet so as to reach anunderground fresh water source below a lowest depth of groundwater. 7.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the base, top cap and supportbeams are formed of a plurality of elongate schedule 40 steel sectionshaving a wall thickness of at least 0.25″.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a stabilizer assembly for securing the frame of theapparatus to a ground surface, the stabilizer assembly furtherincluding: a plurality of steel outrigger sections connected at one endto the base, a plurality of screw jacks, each securing the other end ofa corresponding outrigger to the ground surface, and a pair ofcomealongs secured between the motor assembly and ground surface.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8, the stabilizer assembly further including: aplurality of rebar elements adapted to be inserted through the base intothe ground surface, and a pair of coiled auger pins, each pin attachedto a distal end of a corresponding comealong and adapted to be screwedinto the ground surface.
 10. A well-drilling apparatus, comprising: aframe, the weight of which does not exceed 175 pounds, a winch assemblyattached to the frame, a motor removably mounted on the frame andslidable up and down the frame via the winch assembly, a transmissionremovably coupled to the motor, and a drill pipe assembly removablycoupled to the transmission.
 11. A well-drilling apparatus, comprising:a frame, a winch assembly attached to the frame, a motor slidable up anddown the frame via the winch assembly, a transmission removably coupledto the motor, and a drill pipe assembly removably coupled to thetransmission, wherein total weight of the apparatus does not exceed 650pounds.